Gatineau Quebec Museum of History and Lac-Leamy

Why visit Gatineau

Gatineau was formed by the amalgamation of several older towns: Hull, Aylmer, Gatineau, Masson-Angers and Buckingham. Each former town still serves as a sector name, so you will hear them used in conversation. Hull is the most densely populated part of the Outaouais and sits directly opposite Parliament Hill and the Byward Market. Most residents speak French and many are bilingual.

Hull, the original center, began as a lumber camp founded in 1800 by Philemon Wright, predating Ottawa. The city sits within the National Capital Region, with the countryside only a short drive away.

Museums and the riverfront in Hull

Canadian Museum of History

The museum, formerly known as the Canadian Museum of Civilization, is Gatineau's star attraction and one of the most visited museums in the country. Its Grand Hall houses a major collection of totem poles, while the Canada Hall walks you through the country's history with full-scale recreated streets and villages. Allow at least half a day. Consider starting with the Canada Hall, since it takes the longest to explore.

Hull sits directly opposite Parliament Hill on the north shore of the Ottawa River. Photo: EgorovaSvetlana, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The view of Parliament Hill

Hull faces Parliament Hill, so the riverfront gives you one of the best views of the capital. The area near the museum is ideal for a walk at sunset.

The Grand Hall displays a large collection of totem poles. Photo: Bublegun, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Grand Hall and children's museum

The museum also has a separate museum for children and a Canada Post exhibit. Check the official website for current exhibitions and visiting times, which change by season.

The casino overlooks Lac de la Carrière and its large fountain. Photo: D. Gordon E. Robertson, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Casino du Lac-Leamy and the lake

The casino opened in 1996 beside Leamy Lake and Lac de la Carrière, whose large fountain is visible across the old Hull sector in summer. Even if you skip the gaming floor, the lakeside setting is pleasant for a stroll. The casino complex also includes a theatre that is one of the main music venues in the Outaouais.

Promenade du Portage is the main downtown strip in the Hull sector. Photo: Jeangagnon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Promenade du Portage

The downtown strip is known for restaurants and nightlife, and it can get lively late in the evening. Rue Laval nearby has several bistros and bars.

Gatineau Park covers about 361 square kilometres north and west of the city. Photo: Dwong33, Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Gatineau Park and the outdoors

Gatineau Park

The park is a federal park managed by the National Capital Commission and covers about 361 square kilometres north and west of the city. Hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, camping, cross-country skiing and rock climbing are all possible, and the main entrance is a short drive from downtown. Pick up a trail map and check which areas are open. Camp Fortune and Edelweiss, the nearby ski areas, lie north of the city near Chelsea and Wakefield. The idea of a recreational park in the Gatineau Hills dates back to 1903, and it was created in 1938.

Meech Lake is one of the best-known lakes in Gatineau Park. Photo: Stoneacres, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

Meech Lake

Meech Lake sits in the park and is known for the 1987 Meech Lake Accord talks held at Willson House, a government conference center. The shoreline is mostly private, so plan on public beaches and viewpoints within the park.

Aylmer is a small-town sector west of Hull along the Ottawa River. Photo: Veillg1, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Aylmer, Wakefield and maple country

Aylmer

Aylmer is a small-town sector directly west of Hull. Its main street has shops and cafes, and the area hosts a Christmas parade at the end of November.

Wakefield is an artists' village about 25 minutes north of Gatineau. Photo: ImagePerson, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Wakefield

Wakefield is an artists' village about 25 minutes north on Highway 5, near the Edelweiss ski area. Browse small galleries and cafes and combine the trip with a visit to the park.

The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place around the September long weekend. Photo: Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Food and local flavors

Spring is sugar shack season across the Outaouais, where meals feature maple syrup and end with tire sur neige, hot maple taffy poured over snow. Poutine, fries with cheese curds and gravy, is a Quebec staple that you will see on many menus, and tourtière, the traditional Quebec meat pie, appears around the holidays.

For cheese and regional products, visit La Trappe à Fromage de l'Outaouais. The Rendez-vous des saveurs de l'Outaouais food festival takes place each September, with cooking classes and tastings, and the Hull restaurant strip offers French-style bistros.

Popular dishes to try in Gatineau

Where to stay

Hull is the most convenient base. It is close to the museum, the casino, downtown restaurants and the bridges to Ottawa, so you can leave the car parked.

Aylmer suits travelers who prefer a quieter, small-town feel and easier access to the western park entrances. It also has bed and breakfasts and riverside scenery.

Wakefield, north of the city, is ideal for visitors focused on the park, skiing and the artists' village atmosphere, with inns and cabins. Book ahead for festival weekends and for the hot air balloon festival period, when accommodation across the region fills quickly.

Where to stay in Gatineau

Best time to visit

Summer is the busiest season, with festivals, patios and park activities. Fête nationale du Québec starts on 23 June, Canada Day is 1 July and the comedy festival follows in early July.

Autumn brings fall colors in Gatineau Park and the hot air balloon festival on the September long weekend. Winter is cold and snowy but good for cross-country skiing, Winterlude and the Canadian Ski Marathon in February. Gatineau also shares Winterlude and Ottawa Bluesfest with its neighbor, and a country music festival takes place in the second week of August, according to regional guides. Spring is sugar-shack time, usually late March into April.

Getting there and getting around

Gatineau is directly across the river from Ottawa. An autoroute, A-50, links it to Montreal, and Orléans Express and FlixBus offer buses from Montreal. Ottawa has train connections to Toronto and Montreal.

Most travelers fly into Ottawa or Montreal. Gatineau Executive Airport handles limited scheduled service and general aviation.

The local transit agency is the STO, which runs a rapid bus line called Rapibus and routes into Ottawa. OC Transpo buses also reach Hull. The area has a large network of bike paths, and taxis and ride hailing operate in the city. A car is useful for Gatineau Park and Wakefield. Local advocates rate the area bike paths by difficulty, which makes cycling between Hull and Ottawa straightforward.

A suggested itinerary

Practical tips

• Check museum opening days on its official website before you go.
• Learn a few French greetings, though many residents are bilingual.
• Book Library and Archives tours well in advance.
• Bring layers and insect repellent for park trails in summer.
• Reserve sugar shacks and festival rooms early.
• Quebec has its own rules for alcohol sales, so check them locally.
• Expect extra traffic on bridges at rush hour.